It’s almost time to begin the holidays with some of the most popular and memorable music of the joyous Christmas season.

The Holiday Concert will be held on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. in the main theatre of the Performing Arts Center. The Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra, Choral Music Program, and the Dance Department are joining forces to deliver their second performance of the semester.

In this holiday concert, audiences can expect to hear lively Christmas music including selections from the world renowned two-act ballet, ‘The Nutcracker’ by Tchaikovsky, among other pieces.

According to Choral Director Brandon Elliot, the Vocal Ensemble and Concert Choir will be combined to perform three selections, ‘Sing We Joyous,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas.’

“We’re excited to spread the Christmas spirit with the community,” said Elliot.

This performance will be completely different from previous ones due to the incorporation of dance, orchestra, and choir.

Listeners can expect to hear an hour of the seasonal music, while watching ballet to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

A new element added to this concert will be dance. Choreography from ‘The Nutcracker,’ which includes Arabian and Chinese dance styles will be incorporated to the performance.

For this year’s concert, 14 dancers will share the main theatre stage with the Symphony Orchestra who will perform ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ by Tchaikovsky as the finale of the show.

“These dances are traditional, they’re modeled for this theme,” said Dance Director Robert Salas. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s just a nice way to bring in the holiday.”

Music Business major Amelia Gross, 21, is part of the concert choir at Moorpark College and is feeling excited.

“I think [the concert choir] pulled through very well, considering we’re under new direction now with Brandon Elliott,” said Gross. “He’s done a great job putting this performance together.”

Elliott is the newest professor to the Music department and the holiday concert will be his second performance conducting at Moorpark.

With the ardent rehearsal of the three groups, the outcome of this highly anticipated performance is sure to be a success. Every year, it is one of the most popular performances that sells out quickly.

“It’s an extravaganza,” said Music Director James Song. “These are the traditions here at Moorpark; historically this performance sells out.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the show and get into the spirit of the season! From powerful singing to classical dancing, this holiday concert will have something for everyone.

For tickets and more information, call the Moorpark College Box Office at (805) 378-1485 or visit: www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/theatre-arts/performing-arts-center.